Folding table



W. A. JOHNSON.

FOLDING TABLE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 21, 1921.

1,482A65; Patented Oct. 17, 1922,.

2 SHEETS-SHEET I.

FOLDING TABLE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 2|, 1921.

L432$650 Y Patent Oct. 17, 1922,

. 9 2 SHEETS SHEET 2 Patented Got. 17, 1922.

warren STATES WILLIAM A. JOHNSON, 01E CHICAGQ, ILLINOIS.

FOLDING TABLE.

Application filed. February 21, 1921. Serial No. M6587.

To all whom it may COW/067%.

Be it known that 1, WILLIAM A. JOHN- SON, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new andv useful Improvements in Folding Tables of which the following is a full,

V clear, and exact description.

The invention relates to folding tables and more particularly to folding tables of the pedestal type, such, for example, as are used for serving means in rooms of hotels.

The object of the invention is to prov de an improved table which is provided with folding pedestals and simple means for securely locking the pedestals in operative position. A further object of the invention is to provide an improved pivotal connection between the pedestals and the table-top.

The invention consists in the several novel features hereinafter set forth and more particularly defined by claims at the conclusion hereof.

In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a perspective of a table embodying the invention in operative position. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the, table inoperative position. Fig. 3 is a section of the table in folded position. Fig. 4 is a section through one of the edestals. Fig. 5 is a detail section of one of the pivotal connections between pedestals and the table-top. Fig. 6 is a perspective of one of the pedestals and the slotted guide plate thereon. Fig. 7 is a section taken on line 7-7 of Fig. 6.

Adjacent each end and on the underside of a table-top 9 is secured a pair of blocks 10 in which the pedestals, one for each end of the table, are pivoted. Each pedestal comprises a standard 11, feet 12 and a crossbar 13, all-rigidly secured together, cornerblocks 14 bein employed to more firml secure the stan ard to the cross-bars. ach cross-bar is disposed between one pair of the blocks 10 and is pivotally connected thereto by means of pins 15which have their inner ends driven into and thus frictionally secured in the cross-bar and their outer ends extending through bearinglatos 16 and into sockets 17. formed in the locks 10. Bearing plates 16 are secured in recesses in the inner faces of the blocks respectively by screws 18. A washer 19 is interposed between each plate 16 and the adjareent end of the cross-bar 13. This pivotal connection is one which may be readily as sembled, avoids wear and can be produced.

at a low cost, it being understood that the pedestals and blocks 10 are usually formed of Wood. Tn assembling the table, the blocks 10 are secured to the table after the pedestals have been connected to the blocks.

The pedestals are adapted to swing into substantially parallel relation with the un-. derslde of the table and one is adapted to overlie the other, the pivot between the cross-bar 13 of the underlying pedestal bemg positioned in offset relation with respect to the pedestal so that it will permit it to assume a position substantially parallel to the table and spaced therefrom suiiiciently for the other pedestal.

Each pedestal is adapted to be secured in operative position by a brace 20, one end of which is pivotally connected tothe table, as at 21, and the other end of which is provided with a stud 22 which is adapted to slide in a straight slot 23- formed in a plate 24 which is secured to one side of the pedestal. A head 22 holds the stud in its slot 23. The pedestal is grooved, as at 25, for the head of the stud. Plate 24: is secured to one side of a pedestal by screws 26. A lock ing device for each pedestal comprises a stud 27 which is ,slidably mounted in a socket 28 which is secured in a pedestal and a spr1n29 in said socket is adapted to press the stu outwardly. A stop-rod 30 is secured to each stud to limit its outward movement. The outer end of the stud is rounded, as at 31, so that it may be forced inwardly against the force of spring 29 by the brace, the latter being provided with a bevelled portion 32 for this purpose. Each brace is provided with a hole 33 into which,

the stud 27. is adapted to snap when the pedestal is in operative position, and with a hole 34 into which the stud will snap when the pedestal is in folded positions. When it is desired to fold or unfold the table, itis only necessary to press the studs 27 inwardly to release the braces and thereupon they will be free toswing from one osition to the other. As'the pedestals reac either of their alternative positions, the studs 27 will automatically snap into the holes 33 or 3 1 and thus serve to automatically lock the pedestals in desired positions. When the pedestals are folded, they, and the braces will be disposed close and parallel to the table-top, so that the tables may be stacked when not in use.

lhe invention exemplifies a folding pedestal table with simple means for secure}?! locking the pedestals in operative and fol ed positions and wherebythe pedestals will be securely held to firmly support the tabletop; and also ivotal'connections between the pedestal an the table which are simple in construction. v

The invention is not to be understood as restricted to the details set forth, since these may be modified within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having thus described the invention, What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1.- In a folding table, the combination of a top, pedestals pivotally connected to the top, braces pivotally connected to the top and slidably connected to the pedestals, and spring-pressed studs in said pedestals'movi able transversely to the braces and formed incense to stamens in said braces positively to lock the latter in open position.

2. In a folding table, the combination of a top, pedestals pivotally! connected to the top,.'braces pivotally connected to the top and slidably connected to the pedestals, and spring-pressed studs in said pedestals mov able ,transversel to the braces and'formed to enter holes in said braces positively to lock the latter in both open and closed positions. 3. In a folding table the combination 0 atop, pedestals pivotally connected to the top, braces pivota 1y connected to the tabletop, slotted plates secured to the sides of the pedestals, slidin stud connections between the slots in sai lates and said braces, sockets in the pedesta s, and spring-pressed studs in the sockets for automatically locking the plates and braces together, the braces being provided with holes to receive the lockmg studs when the pedestals are in folded and 0 erative positions.

" VILLIAM A. JOHNSON. 

